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The government has made public the list of products that public institutions must purchase from domestic producers even if they are more expensive than the imported ones.

The Directive on the Use of Domestic Products in Public Institutions, 2025, which was published recently in the gazette following its approval by the cabinet, aims to maximize the use of locally available resources, promote domestic manufacturing, create employment, reduce imports and develop the market for locally manufactured goods. 

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies prepared the list after collecting feedback from all stakeholders. More than four dozen products have been listed on the appendix of the directives. 

According to the directives, constitutional bodies, courts, ministries of the federal or provincial governments, secretariats, commissions, departments or any other government agencies or offices, institutions, companies, banks, or committees fully or majority owned or controlled by the federal or provincial governments are the public offices that must use Nepali products listed in the directives. Other public offices that must buy domestic products include commissions, institutions, authorities, corporations, foundations, boards, centers, councils and similar organized institutions established at the public level or formed by provincial governments under prevailing laws. Likewise, universities, colleges, research centers and similar academic or educational institutions operated by or receiving full or majority grants from the federal or provincial governments, local levels, development committees formed under the Development Committee Act 2013, and institutions operating under federal or provincial government loans or grants have also been defined as public institutions.

As per the directives, public institutions must only use handmade paper and paper products, brown paper, pencils, ball pens, envelopes, notebooks, registers, tissue paper, diaries, copies, chalk, board markers, files, file binding cloth and drawstrings produced locally. Similarly, they can only use furniture and furnishing products, floriculture and decoration items produced locally. Likewise, public institutions must now purchase furniture made from wood, plywood, cane and bamboo products from domestic producers only. 

The list also includes bags and shawls used in workshops and seminars as well as products made from allo, bamboo and banana fiber. Woolen products, dhaka and dhaka-related items, pashmina products, jute products, uniforms and caps prescribed for public institution employees and officials, shoes, belts, and bags, badges, and other materials used in assemblies or conferences, as well as traditional handicrafts, woodcrafts, sculptures, paintings, and stone products must also be procured from domestic producers.

The list also includes carpets (woven or non-woven), towels, bedsheets, curtains, mattresses, EPE rolls, mats, foam, pillows, and other furnishing items, table mats, planters, tea mats, candles, incense sticks, leaf plates, and other decorative and utility items.

Agricultural and animal products, food and beverages including milk and dairy products, eggs, fish, meat and meat products, processed oils, vegetable ghee, tea, coffee, cardamom, ginger, spices, all types of fruits and fruit juices, mineral water, processed drinking water (bottle or jar), and soft drinks must also be purchased from domestic producers. The list of products to be be procured from domestic producers also includes cleaning liquids and chemicals (toilet, bathroom, and window/door cleaners), phenyl, soap (including liquid), detergent, shampoo, room spray, brooms, brushes and other cleaning materials, dustbins, bowls, buckets, mugs, toilet paper, flower garlands, flower plants and other plants must be purchased domestically.

Likewise, the directive mandates public offices to procure transformers up to 63 MVA, equipment for hydropower projects up to 2 MW, copper or aluminum binding wire, computer software, dry batteries, agricultural machinery and equipment, ACSR, AAC aluminum conductors and cables up to 1.1 KV, PSC and STP poles and helmets from domestic producers. The list also includes construction materials such as cement, steel, bricks, paint products, AAC blocks, aluminum aluminum windows and doors, prefab wall panels and wooden products.

Similarly, products like flour, biscuits, honey, herbal products and plastic packaging films and sheets used in public institutions, public schools, community hospitals, elderly homes, children's homes, rehabilitation centers and prisons must also be purchased from domestic producers.

Rastriya Swatantra Party President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been released on bail on Wednesday.

Lamichhane, who has been accused of misappropriating Rs 1. 99 billion from Kathmandu-based Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, was released after posting a bail of Rs 6 million as set by the Kathmandu District Court.

A single bench of Judge Madhav Prasad Adhikari issued the order responding to the writ petition filed against Lamichhane.

He had produced himself before the Kathmandu District Court, three days after he was released on bail of Rs 6. 5 million, in the similar case in Pokhara.

On the behalf of Lamichhane, senior advocates-- Sushil Panta and Raman Shrestha-had argued the case.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged an assistance of 100,000 Euros to support communities impacted by the devastating floods of September 2024 in Nepal.

 Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, the German Envoy to Nepal, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, signed the grant agreement with One Heart Worldwide for a project titled “Emergency Response and Recovery Plan for Continuation of Maternal and NewbornHealth (MNH) Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sarlahi, Rautahat and Kavrepalanchowk Districts,” that aims to provide vital healthcare services in the affected regions. Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO of One Heart Worldwide signed the agreement on behalf of the organization, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Germany.

One Heart Worldwide is an organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for mothers and newborns in remote areas of Nepal for over a decade. Through this project, One Heart Worldwide will focus on maintaining access to basic health services, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and delivering emergency supplies to pregnant women, new mothers, and their families in the three most heavily affected districts from the recent floods and fire: Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchowk.

Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts, is home to a significant Muslim and Dalit population, who have been disproportionately affected by recurring disasters. Frequent floods, fires, and cold waves have made survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. The recent fires have affected 25 households, while 53 people are rendered homeless. Similarly, Sarlahi and Kavrepalanchowk were heavily affected during the recent floods caused by the incessant rains.

The project will provide affected individuals with Dignity Kits, Winterization Materials, Hygiene Kits, and Kitchen Utensils, as well as Health Facility Medical Equipment and Supplies, and establish WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) stations at healthcare facilities. The cold season is expected to have a particularly severe impact on pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“This is an important project for districts heavily affected by the recent disasters. With the harsh winter, we are relieved thatthe most vulnerable populations are receiving the support they urgently need,” said Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, according to the statement.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement with the German Embassy. This grant will provide critical assistance to mothers and newborns in these vulnerable communities, ultimately supporting the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts,” shared Mr. Surya Bhatta.

The project is slated to complete by June 2025.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 1. 83 points to close at 2, 595. 96 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 2. 41 points to close at 439. 01 points.

A total of 10,745,427-unit shares of 299 companies were traded for Rs 5. 82 billion.

Meanwhile, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Nyadi Hydropower Limited (NYADI) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 30 trillion.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 400 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday. 

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the gold is being traded at Rs 155,400 per tola. 

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,830 per tola today.

A significant portion of financial transactions by Chinese tourists in Nepal is bypassing the national tax system, raising concerns about lost revenue. Restaurants in Thamel and other areas catering to Chinese tourists often accept payments through WeChat Pay, a China-based digital payment service.  

Although the app uses Nepal’s internet connection, the transactions are processed in China, leaving no record in Nepal’s national accounts. As a result, these transactions are not reflected as foreign income, and the government of Nepal cannot impose taxes on them.  

Moreover, Chinese business operators in Nepal have reportedly used WeChat Pay to repatriate their earnings to China without paying any local taxes. This issue led to a ban on WeChat Pay in Nepal in 2019. However, the ban was lifted in 2020 after the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) granted the app permission to operate within the country.  

Despite regulatory approval, the problem persists, with substantial amounts of money being transacted through the app by evading Nepal’s tax system. Experts and officials are now urging stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure that such digital transactions contribute to the national economy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued its diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen believed to be held captive by Hamas.

These efforts follow reports that Hamas is releasing 34 captives, including women, children and the elderly.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been requesting countries, which are reported to be in contact with Hamas and are mediating for a ceasefire, to intensify their initiatives for Joshi's release.

Today, Minister Rana had a telephonic conversation with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, requesting him to take special initiatives for Joshi's freedom.

She acknowledged Qatar as a longstanding friend of Nepal.

During the conversation, Dr Khulaifi, the key mediator for the peace talks with Hamas on behalf of the Qatari government, said progress was being made in bringing Hamas to a ceasefire with Israel.

He highlighted the Qatari government's ongoing initiatives for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas.

He further said they have also prioritised advocating for the release of the Nepali youth Joshi, adding that Joshi would be included in the first phase of the release of the captives, which focus on women, children and the elderly.

If not, he assured that Joshi would be prioritised in the subsequent phases of negotiations.

Last week, Dr Rana met with ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Qatar, seeking their governments' assistance in securing Joshi's release.

In response, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass informed that the Israel government had sent a list of captives to Hamas a few months ago, urging the group to release elderly, women and children, and those in critical health conditions in particular in the first phase, and that preparations were underway for their release.

Joshi was among those who were kidnapped during the Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the killing of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalis.

Since then, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release. Dr Rana has continuously raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for Joshi's safe release.

KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged all to move ahead being united by resolving the existing problems of the country.

At a tea reception organized at Sheetal Niwas today on the occasion of Maghi festival, President Paudel said good governance, development and peace are aspiration of Nepali people.

The main objective of our constitution and federal democratic republic governance system is also to establish good governance, development and peace in the country, he argued.

The President expressed the belief that several festivals celebrated by various communities would contribute to unite and strengthen national unity by enhancing mutual love, brotherhood and harmony among all the Nepalis.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former Presidents Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari, former Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and parliamentarians were present on the occasion.